2009 BMW 530 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (268 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1978 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 BMW 530 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 530 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
